St. John’s University Hosts Panel Discussing the NYC Mayoral Election
Journalists, students and professors gathered to discuss the upcoming election.
On Oct. 2, a panel was hosted by Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs, Brian Browne, with special guest Ross Barkan and three student panelists. The event centered on the upcoming New York City mayoral election, and discussed the three candidates: Andrew Cuomo, Zhoran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa, their standing in the race and proposed policies.
Barkan, an experienced journalist and writer, focused largely on Mandami and his historical run for mayor. When asked his thoughts on Mamdani’s chances of winning, Barkan said, “His path to victory is very simple. To bring out voters from the primary that he got, expand his coalition a bit further and break into some Andrew Cuomo support.”
Being the New York City mayor is a unique and challenging government position. From
Celina Mullady | OCt. 6, 2025
dealing with internal issues to external issues with the Federal Government, the new Mayor will have a unique experience with the Trump Administration, Barkan expressed.
The issue of federal funding was a significant point of discussion, considering Mamdani’s proposal for his fare-free proposal. “There are a few challenges ahead. One is the federal government, Donald Trump can be very hostile to New York City,” said Barkan.
“He is sending National Guard troops into cities as we speak. He is sending ICE throughout New York and other large cities… So having to deal with Donald Trump is a massive challenge.”
Being on a college campus, the question of youth voters was brought up continuously. As seen in the past, voters aged 18-29 tend to show up less than older voting groups. Mam-
dami has a larger pull with youth voters, but the question of the night was whether or not they would show up on election day.
In an interview with The Torch, Barkan explained the disconnect between politicians and young people. “Typically, a young voter doesn’t think local politics matter to them a great deal,” said Barkan. “Mamdani is now changing that, he’s someone who sounds, talks and looks like them. I think it’s very rare to find a politician who can really speak the language of the younger people.”
The discussion was a rich exploration of New York City politics and a thought-provoking point of conversation for the upcoming election on Nov. 4, especially for students looking to learn more about NYC politics.
While exiting the event, there were voter registration forms available for attendees to take.
The Last Mayoral Debate Sets Tone for Final Days
of Race
Campaigns move to define closing arguments before ballots are cast.
On Oct. 22, New York City’s mayoral candidates met at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Queens for their final debate ahead of the election on Nov. 4. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo faced off in a 90-minute exchange that touched on housing, crime and city leadership.
Mamdani, who currently leads in the threeway race, defended his plans to freeze rents and expand affordable housing, calling the city “a museum of where working-class people used to be able to live.” He also reaffirmed his support for closing Rikers Island by 2027, describing it as a “stain on the history” of New York.
Cuomo and Mamdani disagreed in several areas, including the city’s approach to Rikers Island and other public safety policies. Beyond policy differences, Cuomo spent much of the debate questioning Mamdani’s readiness to lead, citing his limited management experience and legislative record.
“You have never had a job. You’ve never accomplished anything,” Cuomo said to Mamdani.
Cuomo outlined his plans to address city challenges, including enhancing public safe-
Isabella athanasIou | oct. 23, 2025
ty, investing in infrastructure and promoting economic development. Though, the discussion took a personal turn when Mamdani confronted him over past allegations of sexual harassment.
Mamdani pointed out that one of Cuomo’s twelve accusers, Charlotte Bennett, was present in the audience, bringing attention to the accusations that led to Cuomo’s resignation as governor in 2021.
In 2024, Cuomo sued Charlotte Bennett for defamation over her public statements about his alleged sexual harassment. Mamdani referenced the lawsuit during the debate, stating, “You sought to access her private gynecological records. She cannot speak up for herself because you lodged a defamation case against her. I, however, can speak.”
He then asked, “What do you say to the 13 women that you sexually harassed?” Cuomo responded that “everything you [Mamdani] just stated, you just said, was a misstatement — which we’re accustomed to.”
As the debate commenced, Sliwa seized the opportunity to critique both opponents. He accused Cuomo of fleeing impeachment rather than resigning, stating “You [Cuomo] didn’t leave, you fled from being impeached
by the Democrats in the state Legislature.” Similarly, he criticized Mamdani’s readiness to lead, saying “Zohran, your résumé could fit on a cocktail napkin.”
Cuomo made a point to criticize Mamdani’s lack of experience stating once again, “He literally has never had a job,” while Mamdani countered by spotlighting Cuomo’s controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his resignation amid allegations. Sliwa positioned himself as an alternative option, attacking both opponents for their policies and leadership records.
Mamdani currently maintains a double-digit lead in the race for New York City Mayor. The AARP/Gotham Polling poll shows Mamdani at 43.2%, with Cuomo at 28.9% and Sliwa trailing at 19.4%.
Photo
St. John’s Parking Lot Closure Causes Confusion
Gate 4 lot temporarily reopened after a delay in construction permits.
The Gate 4 parking lot at St. John’s University has become a source of frustration for some students after being closed, temporarily reopened and expected to close again in part of a construction plan.
University Spokesperson Brian Browne tied the closure to the building of a new basketball facility on the Queens Campus.
“The University is actively addressing the ongoing impact of the pending construction of the Men’s and Women’s basketball facility on parking at the Queens Campus and working to mitigate its effects on the campus community,” Browne said.
He added that the University “proactively closed the parking lot adjacent to the Belson Soccer Stadium before the start of the fall semester to initiate the process of normalizing anticipated campus parking conditions for the duration of the construction project.”
According to Browne, the Office of Public Safety informed students and employees about the closure on Aug. 25. When construction was delayed by a permitting issue, the lot reopened temporarily, with an email sent to the campus community on Sept. 12.
Some students express they were not aware
Isabella athanasIou | oct. 3, 2025
of the closure until arriving on campus.
“The closure was a complete surprise, and not a happy one,” senior Daniella Sotello said. “That lot is the closest to my classes, and out of habit, I went to park there on the first day and only then found out it was closed. I ended up circling the garage and had to fight for a spot. Honestly, I think it’s unfair. We pay to park, and there was little to no communication about it.”
Sotello noted the situation has still disrupted her ability to find parking.
“Now, I can barely find parking. I have to wrap around campus, hoping to spot someone walking to their car,” she said. “More than once, I’ve had to ask people if I could follow them to their vehicle just so I wouldn’t be late.”
She also added that other lots quickly became overcrowded.
“Yes, literally every lot,” Sotello said. “There’s no reason why over 20 cars should be circling the parking garage at once. It’s barely wide enough for one car to loop around, let alone dozens.”
Senior Philip Impastato faced similar challenges after the closure.
“The Gate 4 closure made it much more
inconvenient as I have to leave much earlier in the morning to get a parking spot, and I start class at 9:05 a.m.,” Impastato said.
Browne stated the University is working on efforts to reduce the impact of lost spaces, including “exploring local off-campus parking sites,” “reclassifying certain dedicated parking spots” and “meeting with student leaders to hear and respond to their concerns.” He added that Public Safety will launch a social media account to “enhance communication and messaging with the broader campus community.”
“We recognize the parking challenges that impact the entire campus community and appreciate the collective patience and cooperation of all as we work to build the future of St. John’s.”
2025 Tip-Off Cancelled: What To Expect In Its
Place
Athletic Director Ed Kull and the University have big plans to make up for it this season.
Bad news has hit campus. The popular TipOff event, which previews the St. John’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams, has been canceled with no replacement planned.
The University’s annual event, dating back to 2007, traditionally built hype for the basketball team and featured unique gameday festivities with student rewards. Past events have included performances by major artists such as Juice WRLD, Mac Miller, Sheck Wes and J. Cole.
In 2024, the event continued its success, headlined by four-time Grammy-nominated artist and former Migos member Quavo. TipOff offered interactive festivities like musical chairs, knockout and a $25,000 half-court shot that was inches away from going in.
The reason for this year’s cancellation?
According to St. John’s Athletic Director
Ed Kull, the decision was difficult but came down to timing, logistics and a desire to prioritize student engagement throughout the entire season.
“Our feeling was between the struggle, the dates, trying to get ahead of the exhibition game, trying to find the right time and wanting to make sure it was a hit for commuters,” Kull said. “We had a date originally that wasn’t going to hit.”
Instead of rushing the event, the department decided to reinvest those resources into enhancing the student experience once the season begins.
“We felt like we’re better off doubling down during the season,” Kull said. “How do I get more students? How do we get more vouchers? How do we get better transition? How do we get students to road games? How do we
make sure we have better watch parties come postseason, which we’re expecting?”
The Johnnies fan experience was special during their Big East title run. The season featured many promotional items, including $20 food vouchers at Madison Square Garden, t-shirts at almost every home game and mid-game festivities offering rewards to lucky Johnny fans.
Fans can still anticipate a celebratory atmosphere once the season tips off. The team will be honored, but the festivities will be presented differently.
“Probably the first official home game,” Kull hinted. “Don’t forget the team also has their Big East rings now and a banner to unveil. Not only that, but a coach with national coach of the year. So we have many things to celebrate, which is wonderful.”
Jason PetruccI | oct. 15, 2025
Torch Photo / James Williams
Exploring the World While Learning About It
My experience studying abroad and some tips and tricks.
Whether it is biking to the Colosseum after a long day of classes, or flying to Croatia for a weekend of cliff jumping, the study abroad program enables you to enjoy a unique experience at such a pivotal point in your life.
This year, I am partaking in St. John’s Western Europe Semester (WES). During this semester, I will study in Rome, Italy, Limerick, Ireland and Paris, France. Over the next four months, I will have the opportunity to travel the world and create lifelong memories with a group of my peers.
Although St. John’s sends more than 40% of students abroad, studying abroad is a privilege that not every college student gets to experience. This is why I made a promise to myself coming into this semester to do it right.
The most important thing when completing a semester overseas is planning. What you pack, where you travel and what you choose to see all need to be mapped out so you are not left scrambling in a foreign country.
There are no classes on Friday when studying abroad. It is very common for students to use the extended weekends to travel to neighboring cities or countries with their friends. For these weekend trips, I have learned that the bigger the groups, the better.
The first trip I went on was a 14-person weekend trip to the Amalfi Coast. We all used a booking company called Smart-Trip. Due to the size of our group, we received a discount code. Europe has a lot of deals for students, being on the lookout for those can help keep costs down. When abroad, it is important to try new things; do not put yourself in danger, but make the most of new opportunities. I never thought of myself as the strongest swimmer, but I was jumping off boats and rock faces into the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Going into this trip, I made it a point to get out of my comfort zone, and this is one of the ways I managed to do so.
The Smart-Trip made a quick stop in Naples before bringing us back to Rome. A big component of this city is the pizza. Unfortunately, the group I was with did not have much interest in trying the iconic dish.
This is another lesson I had to learn to enhance my study-abroad journey. It is okay to separate and do your own thing as long as you are being safe. Your study-abroad bucket list is not going to align with everyone else’s, and sometimes it is better to prioritize your wants.
There are many great upsides to the study abroad program, but navigating the difficulties is also paramount. While abroad, making sure to stay in contact with family and friends is essential to managing homesickness. I have committed to weekly FaceTime calls and daily texts with my family to make sure I do not become gloomy or homesick while away.
Balancing your academics with the desire to explore can also be difficult. I’ve found it’s better to do all of your work early on in the week so the long weekends can stay stress-free.
There are also many cultural aspects you have to take note of when traveling in these countries. Yes, the European stare is a real thing, but they usually do not mean anything by it.
As a black student, I have to be extra vigilant of any racist microaggressions that I may come across during my time in Europe. One night during a long weekend in Dubrovnik, Croatia, I was subjected to some disparaging remarks from locals.
The best way to counter these unfortunate encounters is to travel with a group of friends who will have your back and keep your spirits lifted. Studying abroad can be a challenging time, but with proper planning and a good support group, you can work to make a semester overseas more than worth it. After a wonderful time in Italy and a promising start in Ireland, I am excited to see what the rest of this semester has in store for me.
Nicholas st cyr | oct. 11, 2025
Photo Courtesy / Briana Tola
Photo Courtesy / Nicholas St. Cyr
Understanding the ‘Bare Minimum’ Epidemic
Why are we accepting less in our relationships?
AlexAndrA Prettitore| oct. 20, 2025
In college, casual, non-committal relationships, or “situationships” are largely the norm for a variety of reasons. Whether it be to focus on academics, emotional unavailability or a simple desire to have the “college experience,” seemingly demonstrating an aversion to defined relationships.
This leaves many young romantics at a loss for true connection. Although casual dating is common, according to a survey done by the Pew Research Institute, only 10% of single adults are solely looking for that kind of relationship, so there is a disconnect. Young people want to find love, but they tend to settle for less.
The prominence of casual dating and situationships can lead to young daters clinging on to the first glimmer of commitment, accepting the bare minimum on the quest to find a partner. This is not a healthy practice, reflecting low self esteem and commonly resulting in stale, unfulfilling relationships. Setting a higher bar and recognizing low-effort behaviors on your dating journey can reshape your experience.
Do Not Compromise Your Standards
Your criteria to find a partner should go beyond if they are “nice” or generally attractive. Finding a serious romantic partner means finding someone compatible with your life and values. This does not mean you need to be picky about trivial traits, such as hair color or height. But it is important to remain firm on crucial components of your dating checklist.
For example, if you want to be with someone who is the same religion as you, stay consistent with finding someone with a shared faith background. Or if you prioritize academics, do not settle for a partner who does not care much about school.
Once you begin loosening these boundaries, you are more likely to have an incompatible relationship and to be accepting of the bare minimum.
Do Not Ignore Early Red Flags
The beginning of a relationship should be the smoothest, most exciting time in a relationship — the honeymoon phase. The dopamine rush feels thrilling and your partner seems perfect. Although your emotions will be strong, it is important to stay true to your logic and recognize potential red flags.
They might seem minor or subtle, but small negative signs can lead to much unhealthier behavior down the line. Communication issues
A Grandparent’s Love
Alexandra Prettitore, Features Editor
early on; they could be easily fixable and largely harmless, but could also point towards future toxicity.
The Beginning Should Be Best
If the relationship feels extremely challenging and conflict-ridden at the beginning, the foundation of your relationship is rocky. In most situations, the early stages should be the least difficult part. If you find yourselves arguing frequently and facing numerous obstacles at the start, it might be time to re-evaluate.
This is not to say that the start of a relationship is always easy — every situation is unique. However, if you accept challenging behavior at the start, you are bound to find the bare minimum to be ideal rather than basic.
Have a Strong Support Base
Surrounding yourself with a network of uplifting, positive friends and family is one of the best ways to develop high standards and to reject the bare minimum. Building self-respect in romantic relationships is greatly assisted by having other loved ones who value you. They are the foundation for your expectations in love and could even provide helpful advice for your dating journey.
Once you have a strong group of people who truly want the best for you as your model for love, you are much more likely to have higher standards for romantic relationships — if you would not accept a behavior from your friends or family, do not accept it in your partner either.
Prioritize Self Esteem
It may seem cliché, but recognizing your own value and being satisfied as an individual promotes more positive relationships. According to the American Psychological Association, there is a reciprocal effect between high self esteem and positive relationships, meaning that as one increases, so does the other.
If you feel happy with your own person, you will not need a romantic partner to validate your worth. This will help you be more selective and find partners who enhance your life.
The bare minimum epidemic in romance is certainly real, but following dating rules and valuing yourself will help you exceed the minimum, and instead find the maximum.
I’m at my grandparents’ home as much as I am at my own house. From my earliest childhood days, I have spent many moments with them, providing me with countless experiences of laughter, learning and love. My grandfather has made thousands of trips driving my sister and me to and from school, not out of obligation, but out of enjoyment. My grandmother always has a snack, homemade card or a simple hug prepared, ensuring that we are both physically and emotionally nourished. As they have gotten older, I cherish my time with my grandparents even more. Their unblemished, all-encompassing love is one that can’t be found anywhere else.
Torch Illustration / Megan Chapman
Photo Courtesy / Unsplash David Menidrey
Are Transplants Ruining New York City?
St John’s students native to the five boroughs give their thoughts on newcomers moving to the city.
Micah Grayson | oct. 27, 2025
With over 8.48 million residents, New York City is, by far, the largest city in the United States. It’s also one of the most storied and commercialized cities on the planet.
This reputation has historically brought a plethora of immigrants and individuals from other states to the five boroughs, with over 300,000 moving to the Big Apple in 2023 alone.
It’s good to have a diverse environment with people from all around the globe sharing individual aspects of their culture. However, a specific group of movers, typically wealthier individuals from middle America, has drawn the ire of some native New Yorkers online.
They’ve often been dubbed “New York City Transplants” and are associated with problems such as gentrification and housing shortages.
“You have all these random shops, then a huge corporate building in the middle,” freshman Aqilah Rahman said. Rahman, a Queens local, feels as though outside corporations are building over local communities and providing job opportunities primarily for non-native New Yorkers.
“[They’re] imposing and pushing out people who have been here for so long,” she emphasized.
Ebony Hudson, a junior also from the five boroughs, expressed worries surrounding overpopulation. “It can be overwhelming, especially with the lack of space in certain areas.”
This notion is backed up by data from the Citizens Budget Committee. In a June 2024 report, they found that the city’s rate of severe overcrowding was twice that of the national average, with 170,000 households having more than 1.5 persons per room.
But this doesn’t mean the entire problem is a lack of homes, as that same report stated that New York also had over 2 million households that were under-crowded. Many who have the luxury of affording more space take up more than they need. While there’s not a specific study dedicated to the percentage of out-of-state individuals with under-crowded homes, a 2023 report from the Fiscal Policy Institute showed recent increases in millionaires moving to New York, and a greater exodus of lower-income individuals from the city.
It can be reasonably inferred that with more money coming in, less space, particularly for long-term residents, has become available.
Despite these negatives, some native New Yorkers still acknowledge valid reasons for why “transplants” want to come.
“It gives them more opportunity,” Hudson said. She also acknowledged the particular cases of those moving from abroad. “It keeps them from having any issues they would’ve dealt with in their own country.”
Cesar Lopez, a sophomore from Brooklyn, believes transplants positively contribute to the cultural melting pot. “New York’s always been culturally rich across the board, [they] enhance that.”
He also thinks newer residents play a lesser role in gentrification than many think they do. “New Yorkers themselves are a bigger problem for New York than people who come to live here,” he stated.
Rahman understands how the city’s mystique tends to attract outsiders. “I get that [they] want to live in the big city, [they] want to get their opportunities, and they’re entitled to that.”
Nevertheless, she, like many, believes that it shouldn’t come at the cost of natives losing their opportunities, having to deal with a housing crisis and seeing their communities being bought out by outside corporations.
“People who have been here for so long should also be considered,” she argued.
Regardless of the opinions of students and those online, there’s no indication of a downward trend in migration to New York City. This is the reality, and it’s one that businesses, government officials and other city leaders will have to address as equitably as possible going forward.
73.8% of students are from New York State.
Torch Design / Megan Chapman
Phoro Courtesy / Unsplash Andreas Niendorf
Our Government Has Shut Down: The Rules of Congress Are to Blame
The playbook must be reformed.
Raisa Zahin | Oct. 19, 2025
The government shutdown that began on Oct. 1 is not a natural disaster, but a man-made failure of governance. Hyper-partisanship has once again contributed to the nation’s lawmakers failing to pass essential funding bills. Vital government services were halted and hundreds of thousands of federal workers were furloughed.
Oct. 1, 2025, marks the 20th government shutdown since 1976, and the third one in the past 12 years. This recurring crisis is the predictable outcome of a legislative process that favors high-stakes negotiation and political brinkmanship over bipartisan agreement.
There is a dangerous decline in tolerance for differences in opinion and surge in lack of open-mindedness to collaborate for the best interest of Americans. Among potential structural reforms to the lawmaking process, I particularly favor the notion of implementing Mandatory Cross-Aisle Co-Sponsorship.
Requiring any bill to have at least one supporter from the opposing political party to co-sponsor it before its introduction to Congress would fundamentally shift the legislative incentive of political representatives from conflict to practical cooperation.
What is Gridlock?
To understand why this shutdown was almost inevitable, we must examine the holes in our legislative process that create gridlock. As it stands, bills are born in partisan echo chambers. Party leadership, responding to pressure from its most ideological members, drafts legislation as a wish list of partisan priorities.
They achieve this by attaching controversial “policy riders” or “poison pills,” or amendments largely unrelated to the budget but specifically designed to be rejected by the other party.
The result of these actions is not a negotiation, but a game of chicken.
Gridlock is the result of political parties refusing to negotiate with one another, resulting in the decrease of legislative productivity. It essentially empowers the extremes and makes crisis the default setting for governing. Each party passes a bill that the other is guaranteed to reject, and the process eventually fizzles out. The debate becomes about who will get blamed for the shutdown, not about how to responsibly fund the government.
A Procedural Fix to the Lawmaking Framework
The solution is not to simply ask for more civility, but to change the rules of the game.
Mandatory Cross-Aisle Co-Sponsorship would require a bill to have the signature of at least one member from the minority party in order to be formally introduced to the House or Senate. This simple yet transformative requirement would force collaboration to the very beginning of the legislative process. Instead of drafting partisan documents in isolation, lawmakers would have to reach out across the aisle to find a legislative partner before their idea could be presented.
The initial draft of any bill would, by necessity, be an agreed-upon compromise. The current shutdown is a political event designed to energize each party’s base. Government shutdowns are a form of political brinkmanship where factions often use the threat of a crisis to achieve personal political goals.
A cross-aisle co-sponsorship requirement would reframe the objective. The “win” would no longer be defeating the other party, but rather successfully co-authoring a bill that keeps the government up and
running. It changes the incentive of Congressional meetings from rewarding conflict to rewarding cooperation.
Photo Courtesy/ YouTube WWE
By requiring bipartisan buy-in early in the process, bills would have a built-in coalition of lawmakers from both major parties committed to its passage. This would disallow extreme factions to hold the entire government hostage to their demands.
Although the idea of requiring co-sponsors for bills may seem unconventional and new, several organizations and members of Congress have actively pushed for rules to incentivize bipartisan collaboration from the start of the legislative process.
In June of 2025, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D) and Young Kim (R) reintroduced the BUDS Resolution to Bolster Bipartisan Collaboration in Congress. The current House rules only permit one main sponsor for a bill. The BUDS Resolution would change the rules to allow two members to serve as joint sponsors, provided they are from different parties.
Supporters, including the Bipartisan Policy Center Action group, argue this simple change would make bipartisan efforts more visible and encourage lawmakers to collaborate from a bill’s inception, which could lead to more productive legislative outcomes.
Similarly, the Bipartisan PolicCenter’s Commission on Political Reform advocates for structural changes that foster collaboration, and the arguments within can be used to support the need for mechanisms like mandatory cross-aisle co-sponsorship.
Concerns About its Effect on Congressional Activity
Some will argue that this regulation would lead to fewer bills being introduced, which ultimately confuses overactivity with meaningful progress.
Congress already sees thousands of purely political “messaging bills” that have slim chances of becoming law. This reform would force lawmakers to focus their energy on what is achievable, rather than on power-plays and partisan exercises. While others may claim that the rule would stifle genuine ideological debate, I would argue that it would foster a more productive form of it.
Debate would shift from scoring points with unpassable bills to the real work of amending legislation that already has a baseline of bipartisan consensus. The principle of majority rule is not undermined but enhanced by ensuring the majority is built from a coalition willing to govern.
The shutdown that we are currently enduring is not a sign of a healthy democracy. We have long depended on hopes of potential bipartisan cooperation to repair democracy and American government, but it is a lost cause.
Implementing a regulation that mandates reaching out to legislators of the opposing political party would be much more efficient. Mandatory Cross-Aisle Co-Sponsorship is not a cure-all method, but it is a concrete reform that realigns the incentives on the floors of Congress toward sensible governing.
Academic research and current lawmakers have proved that requiring cross-aisle sponsorship is a practical, data-backed strategy to increase government efficiency and combat gridlock. It’s time to demand a change not just in our politicians, but in the broken rules they play by.
No, Taylor Swift Is Not Republican, Just Tone Deaf
‘The Life of a Showgirl’ leaves fans speculating about Swift’s politics.
Taylor Swift’s new album “The Life of a Showgirl” came out on Oct. 3 to mixed reviews. These reviews were discussing the quality of the music itself, with Alexis Patridis from the Guardian writing:
“The rest floats in one ear and out the other: not unpleasantly, but you might reasonably expect more given the amassed songwriting firepower behind it, and Swift’s claims of ‘keeping the bar really high.’”
The differences in musical opinion are drastic, with the Rolling Stone giving the album five stars compared to the Guardian’s two stars.
But this isn’t even the most controversial aspect of the album. What’s most topical has to be the political discourse surrounding the album, with some even claiming Swift could be a secret Trump supporter, or “MAGA.”
A lot of listeners specifically took issue with her song “CANCELLED!” claiming that she wrote it about her friends in the NFL, many of whom are Trump supporters.
Taylor Swift is not a Republican. She has repeatedly endorsed democratic candidates for president in past election cycles.
These speculations, though untrue, are not unfounded. Many women of color are speaking out against Swift’s new album, claiming there’s a racialized undertone to her lyricism in relation to Kelce’s ex-girlfriends, who were Black women.
The argument that Swift is a Trump supporter is categorically false but her attitude towards women, especially women of color, as one of the richest and most influential people in the world, is punching down.
We see this in her song “Actually Romantic.” It is clearly about no other than Charli XCX. In the song, Swift sings:
“I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave; High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me; Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face”
Even though the “BRAT” creator has her own power and influence, she is still a woman of color and has less of a network than Swift. Making fun of alleged substance abuse over a song that was about Charli XCX’s own insecurities is tactless and lacks critical thinking skills.
She might not have meant to come off as an insensitive wealthy white woman, but the innocence and cuteness of her earlier albums and persona do not excuse her behavior. In a political climate that is more charged than ever before in her career, she has to be especially aware of the impact of her influence and lyricism.
Being a registered Democrat isn’t enough. No one is asking for Swift to lead marches in Washington, but it is common decency to be aware of your privilege and to educate yourself so harm is not done to marginalized communities.
I have no issue with people who like her music. I grew up listening to Taylor Swift. I also don’t care if people want to listen to her new album and have fun with it. It just cannot come at the expense of ignoring harmful behavior when we see it.
Swift doesn’t have to be a Trump supporter to exude privilege and show signs of misogyny and racism. Swifties can like her music, but they must also hold her accountable and listen to the voices of women of color who are rightfully taking offense to “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Taylor Swift
Carlyann Carey | OCt. 13, 2025
103RD EDITORIAL BOARD
James Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Celina Mullady MANAGING EDITOR
niCholas st. Cyr
NEWS EDITOR
Jason PetruCCi
SPORTS EDITOR
Parker songCo
CULTURE EDITOR
Carlyann Carey
OPINION EDITOR
MiCah grayson
ASST. OPINION EDITOR alexandra Prettitore FEATURES EDITOR
sebastian Zelaya
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Megan ChaPMan CREATIVE DIRECTOR andres Cortes DESIGN EDITOR isabella athanasiou SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & CHIEF COPY EDITOR
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nivana naiPaul OUTREACH MANAGER
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Kika Aboifo
Dean Koutouratsas
Raisa Zahin
EDITorIAL PoLIcY
Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the Torch. Columns and other content are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the Torch Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administration of St. John’s University. All contents are the sole responsibility of the editors and the editorial board and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of St. John’s University unless specifically stated.
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‘It’s
Right in Front of Our Faces.’
KiKa agboifo | oct. 17, 2025
NY 11439
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At the recent UN Assembly, which took place on Sept. 9, several UN Delegates walked out on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he shared a portion of the proposed peace plan with Hamas. Netanyahu bashed international criticism of the current violence and warfare going on in Gaza. Claiming that those who oppose him are simply tuning into “biased media, radical Islamist constituencies and anti-semitic mobs,” he continued by calling countries that consider the recognition of a Palestinian state “insane.”
In response to the Oct. 7 attack and the ongoing warfare between Israel and Gaza, Netanyahu reportedly “surrounded Gaza with massive loudspeakers,” which was to deliver the message to Hamas ordering them to release all remaining hostages or face death. From what we know about the hostage situation in Gaza, there seem to be 48 hostages total, 20 of which are presumed to be alive.
In comparison, after the most recent attack from the Israeli military, close to 250,000 people have been forced to flee Gaza City.
Just to get the elephant out of the way, the numbers do not add up.
Not only are the people in Palestine being persecuted, but they are also being mocked, humiliated, constantly being displaced and have little to no resources to survive. The struggle continues when the sociological aspect of adversity comes into play. Not only are they suffering, but it is being broadcast for the whole world to see.
On both sides, an incredibly dystopian worldview is at play, one that is also very real. How-
ever, this is not a matter of sides or anti-semitic propaganda. It is about humanity and morality.
Netanyahu has not only been criticized by the opposing sides. Internally, the prime minister has also gotten backlash, from families of current hostage victims, going to social media to explain that anything other than a deal signed to free them is “psychological abuse.”
Netanyahu has been continuously pressuring Hamas and bullying citizens of the Gaza Strip to surrender for years now, to the point where some Palestinians have even called for Hamas to put down their weapons. I think it puts Hamas in a tricky position and sets them up for impending doom.
A Senior Hamas official stated, how he feels that Hamas is woven into the fabric of Palestine. They are not just fighting for land; they are fighting for their lives and dignity, just like most people. That is not a fight you would be willing to back away from easily.
As for Netanyahu, his stance is, respectfully, arbitrary, and it lacks an accurate moral compass. Taking out a “terrorist organization” can be done in a more controlled and mindful way if that is truly the source of all this violence.
At its core, this is the pride and ego of one man being the price of over half a million lives lost and millions more damaged by the suffering of people.
However, is Netanyahu the only one to be blamed? One man cannot do that by himself. Complacency to evil is just as evil.
The Search for the ‘Son of Spergy’
On the release day of his newest album, Daniel Caesar took to Brooklyn for a free, intimate live show.
Parker Songco | oct. 28, 2025
Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar has had quite an immersive rollout for his new album, “Son of Spergy,” released Friday, Oct. 24. For a month leading up to release week, he hit public parks across North America for free pop-up sets. After starting in his hometown of Toronto, he stopped in Los Angeles, Houston and Atlanta, before bringing the experiment to New York.
The night before his album’s long-awaited release, with fans eager to get their own taste of a free show, Caesar left his audience with a vague message on his Instagram:
“On Friday, and if you live in New York, just hang around Brooklyn. I don’t know what’s gonna happen, maybe nothing, maybe something spectacular. Around noon.”
Assuming he followed the pattern of performing in parks, fans speculated early that Caesar would go to Prospect Park, the second biggest public park in Brooklyn. This was essentially confirmed when Caesar liked a TikTok comment early Friday morning from user @trappedonjupiter that said, “I feel like it’s prospect park”
Waiting for the clock to hit noon, hundreds of fans crowded the Lena Horne Bandshell, the primary location for live performances at Prospect Park.
Shortly after 1 p.m., the swarm at the bandshell broke loose. Hundreds of Daniel Caesar fanatics sprinted across the Prospect Park fields, turning the scene into a marathon. There was still nothing from Caesar on any social platforms, so people were just blindly following the crowd.
This resulted in a huge mob circling a man in a Spider-Man mask. Was it Caesar himself? There was only one way to find out. They all chanted for the mysterious masked man to “take it off!”
He never did, and was just standing around. Eventually, people got impatient and just walked away. Perhaps it was a distraction to help Caesar’s team set up at Lena Horne Bandshell. Some walked back to the bandshell, others waited around with Spider-Man.
The man in the Spider-Man mask would continue to parade around the park on his bike, with others following him around like a false prophet, in hopes that he knew the whereabouts of Caesar. This would go on for about three hours.
At this point, the day turned into a mass Daniel Caesar listener meetup with hundreds relaxing at Prospect Park, enjoying the new album, connecting with other fans and just waiting for any word from Caesar himself. It was well past noon, and after all, Caesar did say it was “maybe nothing,” so some started to lose hope.
Around 4 p.m., hope was regained. Caesar finally posted on his Instagram with coordinates in Prospect Park. The marathon was back on, and the flock of fans ran across the park to find equipment for a live performance.
Caesar’s co-manager and childhood friend, Devante Brown, was the first to speak to the large crowd, letting them know that the R&B star would be arriving soon, but emphasizing that they must stay calm and organized to allow Caesar’s team to set up.
Around 4:45 p.m., the singer appeared before the fans that have been searching for him for hours. He brought some star-studded company, joined by longtime collaborator Mustafa the Poet and English singer Dev Hynes, also known as Blood Orange.
The three sat down and the fans’ patience was immediately rewarded. They began the set with “Toronto 2014,” the acoustic track featuring Mustafa off Caesar’s 2023 album “NEVER ENOUGH.”
Caesar and Mustafa’s vocals graced the ears
of the hundreds in attendance, while Hynes supported on guitar. With the crowd sitting on the grass and the sun beginning to go down, the intro set an intimate scene for a night that felt like a dream sequence.
Then came the new material, with “Moon (Feat. Bon Iver),” “Baby Blue (Feat. Norwill Simmonds)” and “Root of all Evil,” giving fans their first live taste of “Son of Spergy.” Between tracks, Mustafa asked Caesar questions about the process of making the album.
“Does it feel like you captured what you wanted to capture? It’s a big undertaking to talk about your father, talk about God. Maybe the two largest mountains of anybody’s life, you know?”
“I did, because it’s so honest,” Caesar replied. “That’s all I am, an amalgamation of all these homes and all these influences… But it’s also so big. You can’t get into the intricacies of everything, but with a broad brushstroke, you tackle it.”
He called “Son of Spergy” his most personal work to date, rooted in family and faith. “The creative process is a deeply spiritual process,” he said.
As the sun dipped lower, Hynes summed up the appeal of the voice everyone had chased all afternoon: “The thing with Daniel — and I know all of you feel this, which is a testament to you being here — is that as soon as he opens his mouth to sing, it is so special and direct. There are only a few people, in my opinion, in history like that.” With that, he slipped out, leaving Caesar and Mustafa to close the afternoon.
Caesar paused to focus on the moment more than the music. “When I play venues, it’s bright and I can’t see you guys. This is for me,” he said. Everyone stayed on the grass, close and quiet. He kept looking up between lines to catch faces. It felt less like a show and more like we were in the park with him while the songs took their time.
He reached back to the songs that built this crowd in the first place, pulling from “Freudian,” “CASE STUDY 01” and “NEVER ENOUGH.”
“I know you guys in New York are all like cool and stuff, but just one song I need you to sing really loud.” Caesar closed it out with “Get You,” the loudest moment of the night. After all the uncertainty, the day ended with a free show in Prospect Park, a few feet from the people who ran to find it. On the very day that Caesar’s album was released, fans walked away with an unforgettable memory.
Torch Design / Parker Songco
Torch Photo / Parker Songco
Torch Photo / Parker Songco
‘One Battle After Another:’ A Refreshing Revolutionary Film
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a retired revolutionary on a mission to save his daughter.
Academy Award-nominated director Paul Thomas Anderson’s blockbuster “One Battle After Another” hit theaters on Sept. 26.
The film takes place in the western part of the United States, using the issue of immigration as a catalyst throughout. The film takes audiences into the life of Bob Ferguson (Leonardo Dicaprio) and his daughter Willa, who are living in hiding after Bob’s time as a border abolitionist revolutionary.
The movie opens with a captivating, ac-
tion-packed sequence showing Bob and his romantic partner, Perfidia (Teyana Taylor), carrying out rebellious missions. These operations eventually catch up with them when military colonel, enemy of the resistance, white supremacist and Perfidia’s affair partner, Lockjaw (Sean Penn) arrests her.
Perfidia’s arrest leads to Bob having to take their newborn daughter on the run. The chaotic start is followed by a 16-year time skip. Here, we are introduced to a teenage Willa, played by Chase Infiniti in her acting debut.
“I can’t undersell how terrific she is. I’ve had this overwhelming feeling lately. In the past week, I’ve had to remember how I got here, and I’ve genuinely come to the conclusion that what’s taken so long is that I was waiting to meet Chase Infiniti.” Anderson said in an interview with Dazed.
“I put so much pressure on finding the right actor because of who I live with, and what I’m surrounded with. Finding her was one of the lucky breaks I’ve had in the movie business.” Anderson, Maya Rudolph’s husband, continued.
Lockjaw fears that his potential parenthood of Willa could lead to the prevention of his entry into a secret white supremacist organization. This conflict leads him to kidnap Willa and attempt to track Bob down.
The second act follows Bob in his attempts to save his daughter. DiCaprio’s portrayal as a desperate, washed-up rebel, accompanied by a gentle yet hectic score, exhausts the audience while still keeping them engaged.
DiCaprio’s performance was outstanding, yet it did not feel out of place. A story with many moving parts was able to anchor itself with noteworthy performances from the ensemble cast.
Penn plays the role of Lockjaw in an impressively pathetic way, which left the audience humored by his demeanor. Benicio Del Toro’s Sergio and Regina Hall’s Deandra also played integral roles; the seasoned actors were able to make lasting impressions with limited screen time.
‘After the Hunt:’ A Deep Dive into the Uncomfortable
The film takes audiences on a tension-filled journey, exploring human nature.
Esteemed director Luca Guadagnino’s newest film, “After the Hunt,” opened the 63rd New York Film Festival on Sept. 26 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. The film features a star-studded cast, including Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Michael Stuhlbarg and Andrew Garfield. “After the Hunt” is a psychological thriller that embraces the uncomfortable and explores moral ambiguity.
Celina
Mullady
| OCt. 2, 2025
The cast and crew appeared on stage before the screening, where Guadagnino and Roberts both made small speeches. Guadagnino shared his excitement about being at the NYFF and introduced his cast.
Roberts expressed her excitement about opening the NYFF and the film’s message. “This is a lifelong dream as a girl who moved here at 17,” Roberts said. “When this is all over, talk to each other, that’s what we want.”
“After the Hunt” focuses on philosophy professors at Yale University, Alma (Julia Roberts) and Hank (Andrew Garfield)—who are in competition to receive tenure—and graduate student Maggie (Ayo Edebiri). Alma and Hank bring Maggie under their guidance, and the three become increasingly close.
However, after Maggie endured a traumatic event, Alma’s relationship with the two becomes strained, and a tense series of events transpires. Throughout the film, audiences see Alma’s thought process and the morally grey choices she makes.
Above all, the film is a commentary on human behavior and the
different social, cultural and political ideas that make people behave in the ways they do. Specifically, gender is a large aspect of the film. Being a woman and fighting her way to a top teaching position at Yale made Alma do anything to keep it—even betraying Maggie’s trust as a woman, friend and mentor.
Following the screening, there was a roundtable on Sept. 27, where the cast and crew came together to answer audience-asked questions. The panel included Director Luca Guadagnino, Screen Writer Nora Garrett and cast: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield and Michael Stuhlbarg.
The cast and crew addressed a variety of topics, ranging from the setting of the film to generational tensions between the characters. The location of the film, Yale, was a specific choice for screenwriter, Nora Garrett. She pointed out the immense privilege that exudes from an institution like Yale, but does not transpire to the surrounding area of New Haven, Conn.
Edebiri and Roberts touched on the generational differences between Alma and Maggie, concluding that their individual character traits and experiences had more to do with their differences than their age.
From a literal location to individual characters, “After the Hunt” highlights the influence of privilege, its power and how it can manifest into a controlling force.
Photo Courtesy / Tyler, The Creator
niChOlas st. Cyr | OCt. 16, 2025
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Warner Bros. UK & Ireland
Torch Photo / Nicholas St. Cyr
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Film at Lincoln Center
Glitter Gel Pen Songs or Lazy
Writing?
Taylor Swift’s new album is not as deep or well-written as many fans expected.
The Torch’s Horror/ Halloween Picks
When Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” she did not do it in her usual grandiose fashion, like she did with “The Tortured Poets Department,” (“TTPD”) which she revealed at the 2024 Grammys. Instead, she joined her now-fiancé Travis Kelce and his brother Jason on their “New Heights” podcast for a two-hour casual discussion about her new project, immediately giving the album a different, more lighthearted feel than her previous releases.
Still, fans expected Swift’s thoughtful songwriting to be at the center of the record; many anticipated a “1989” style of production (since Max Martin and Shellback were the producers) with a “folklore” level of writing. Additionally, an in-depth look into the Era’s Tour and her overall experience with fame was expected.
This is not exactly what listeners were met with on the album’s Oct. 3 release date.
Inklings of the “showgirl” lifestyle were implemented, but much of the album centered around Swift’s romance with Kelce. The production was also less reminiscent of “1989’s” timeless, cohesive pop sound than expected, featuring some soft rock elements and even a 70s-style track.
The most surprising aspect of “The Life of a Showgirl,” however, was its lyrics, many of which were either related to internet culture, simple or sexually explicit – a major deviation from Swift’s previous albums, especially the recent “TTPD,” which was filled with complex, emotional songs, or her critically acclaimed album “folklore.”
It was a fun, upbeat project, but at what cost?
The opener and lead single, “The Fate of Ophelia,” discussed the saving power of true love over a catchy drum beat. The lyrics were loosely connected to the title’s Shakespeare reference, but still mainly about Kelce, with Swift “pledging allegiance” to his “team.”
Track two, “Elizabeth Taylor,” is one of the few songs that fit into the “showgirl” theme. Intense yet luxurious production is coupled with lyrics about seeking genuine love as one of the most famous people in the world. Swift hopes to maintain this relationship, admitting that she’d “cry [her] eyes violet” if she lost it, providing a vulnerable look into the impact fame has on her romantic endeavors.
“Opalite” is another cheerful pop installment and is the most similar to “1989” hits. Swift sings about creating and finding happiness, even after a challenging time in her life, providing an inspiring, positive tone.
After the strong introductory tracks on “The Life of a Showgirl,” the album becomes much more inconsistent both lyrically and sonically.
“Eldest Daughter,” the much-anticipated track five, contains some of the most questionable lyrics on the entire album. Swift says she is not a “bad b*tch” or “savage,” and references memes and trolling throughout the song. This removes the timeless element that many of her other track fives have. It also feels a bit on the nose in contrast to her more poetic lyrics.
“CANCELLED!” has a similar issue, in addition to having a lackluster production. The phrase “girl-bossed too close to the sun” is used in relation to Swift’s celebrity friends who have
In honor of Haloween season, here’s a quick list of The Torch’s favorite horror movies — some classic, some not.
1. “Donnie Darko” (2001)
2. “Halloween” (2018)
3. “Beetlejuice” (1988)
4. “Shaun of the Dead” (2004)
5. “Hereditary” (2018)
6. “Interview with the Vampire” (1994)
7. “Weapons” (2025)
8. “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
9. “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974)
10. “Get Out” (2017)
faced backlash, once again dating the track immensely. The rest of the lyrics do not make up for this line, feeling cheesy and somewhat tone deaf. The production sounds like leftover, outdated elements of “Reputation,” leaving much to be desired.
“Actually Romantic,” a shady anthem believed to be about Charli XCX, contains humorous, albeit petty, lyrics about “haters.” Swift says the subject of the song insults her when she is “coked out,” and compares her impact to that of a “toy chihuahua.” This is one of the harshest diss tracks in Swift’s discography, leaving a bitter impression for some fans and critics.
The most regressive lyrics in the album come from “Wood,” however. It makes notso-subtle or clever allusions to Kelce’s sexual performance, and even mentions the “New Heights” podcast by name. It seems as if Swift was trying to emulate Sabrina Carpenter’s innuendo-heavy music, but it was not done as effectively. The jazzy ’70s production was new for Swift, but it was held back by the unsavory lyrics.
The album ends with the title track, which features the aforementioned Carpenter. As the title suggests, it is about the celebrity lifestyle. Both artists shine vocally, and the production is reminiscent of musical theater songs, which ties in nicely with the song’s theme.
“The Life of a Showgirl” is not Swift’s most lyrically impressive album, being filled with mainly upbeat, sometimes silly tracks. She is happier than when she wrote “TTPD,” but did this joy result in lazy, shallow songwriting?
AlexAndrA Prettitore | oct. 6, 2025
Photo Courtesy / YouTube CNN
SPORTS PHOTOS
Torch Photo / Dea Hoxha
Torch Photo/ Isabella Athanasiou
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Torch Photo / Luis Barrett
Torch Photo / Luis Barrett
Torch Photo / Luis Barrett
Lefteris Liotopoulos celebrates a made three-pointer Oct. 25
Ruben Prey shoots a hook over Michigan defenders. Oct. 25
Ian Jackson finishes a two-handed dunk. Oct. 18
The national anthem is sang at the men’s soccer game. Oct. 25
Guilhereme Gomes attempts a contested header. Oct. 25
Keeper Alec McLachlan safely saves an on-target shot. Oct. 25
Michigan Beat St. John’s in High Octane Exhibition
The No. 5 St. John’s Men’s Basketball team closed out their final preseason exhibition game against the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines in the Bad Boy Mowers Series under the lights of Madison Square Garden. This was a box office matchup that promised fans of both sides a thrilling teaser for the rapidly approaching regular season.
While the Johnnies were on the losing side of the 96-94 final score, the reigning Big East champions should be satisfied by their strong effort against such a formidable opponent, especially in a game that doesn’t impact their record.
This heavyweight bout had the explosive start that many expected, as the Wolverines and Johnnies traded initial buckets to open the contest. But the Johnnies settled into familiar offensive struggles, as seen in their first exhibition game against Towson.
More specifically, Michigan’s big ticket transfer Yaxel Lendeborg’s (25 pts, 10 rebs, 4 asts.) six points single-handedly equaled St. John’s scoring total in the opening seven minutes.
Another new face for Michigan, Elliot Cadeau, ended the even first half with a deep shot from behind the arc to tighten the Johnnies’ 35-34 lead, a fitting end to a half
that saw transfer acquisitions star the brightest.
St. John’s score-by-committee approach was disrupted by a scoring explosion in the front court.
Big East Preseason Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor (24 pts, 6 rebs, 6 ast.) and his new running mate Dillon Mitchell (13 pts, 8 rebs) combined for the team’s first eight points of the half, helping maintain a fragile lead while showing consistency on the low block.
A five-point 57-52 lead was the biggest cushion St. John’s had for the night, as Michigan’s methodical but steady offense always had an answer to stay competitive.
An overall slower pace allowed for the Wolverines and Lendeborg to regain control, usurping the five point advantage from St. John’s as they led 72-67 with five minutes remaining in regulation.
But the pendulum swung back to the Red Storm thanks to the swiss army knife Dillion Mitchell’s two-way heroics; a one-handed contact slam and a pivotal defensive rebound in back-to-back possessions were enough for St. John’s to regain a late game lead.
Neither team refused to miss in this closing act as 19 total points of offense were scored in the last five minutes of regulation.
St. John’s Named
The basketball gods seemed to enjoy this matchup so much that they decided 40 minutes of play wasn’t enough, the game was sent to overtime at a staggering 84-84 stalemate.
The extra five minutes of free basketball was just as action-packed as regulation, with unsung hero Lefteris Liotopoulos scoring nine of his 13 points for St. John’s over a two minute stretch.
Liotopoulos’ had a chance to continue this clutch performance and be the hero of the night after drawing a foul while shooting a three-pointer, sending him to the free-throw line down 95-93 with three free-throws to shoot and eight quick seconds on the clock.
The sophomore drained the first but proceeded to miss his final two shots, effectively ending the game with such little time left for a potential comeback.
“I’m so happy with not necessarily the results, but we found out where we need to get better and where we need to work.”
St. John’s and Coach Pitino have another week of practice to iron out potential problems before the regular season officially kicks off against Quinnipiac University on Nov. 3 in Carnesecca Arena.
Top Big East Team
JasOn Petrucci | Oct. 22, 2025
The Storm is brewing. The Big East has been bombarded by the presence of the St. John’s men’s basketball program. For the first time since 1991, St. John’s has been named the outright No. 1 team in the Big East, according to the preseason coaches poll.
The Johnnies edged out UConn by earning seven of 11 first-place votes, with UConn finishing second, Creighton third, Providence fourth, Marquette fifth and Georgetown sixth.
Beyond the coaches poll, it was once again all St. John’s when it came to preseason accolades.
Dominant two-way forward Zuby Ejiofor earned Big East Player of the Year honors, already being recognized as one of the most talented all-around players in the nation after averaging 14.7 points, eight rebounds, and one block per game. Ejiofor was the heart of the Johnnies’ defense last season and one of the key leaders who helped fuel their historic run.
Bryce Hopkins, the Red Storm’s marquee transfer addition, joins Ejiofor on the First Team. Ian Jackson, the Bronx native and former North Carolina Tar Heel, lands on the Second Team, while Dillon Mitchell and Joson Sanon round out the Third Team.
The hype is well-earned for Rick Pitino and his squad of hungry players. The Red Storm are coming off their best season in 25 years, capturing both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles. St. John’s also picked up its first NCAA Tournament win in a quarter-century and wrapped things up by landing the nation’s top-ranked transfer class, according to 247Sports. Pitino and the Red Storm will look to prove their preseason hype when they open the 2025–26 season on Nov. 3 against Quinnipiac.
James Williams | Oct. 26, 2025
Photo Courtsey / Sebastian Zelaya
SPORTS
Sails through St. John's Seton Hall
In a tightly contested Big East clash, the St. John’s Red Storm fell 1-0 to the Seton Hall Pirates on Oct. 25, unable to find an equalizer after a Pirate goal in the first half. The loss drops St. John’s to 2-3-1 in conference play, while Seton Hall continues its impressive undefeated run at 3-0-3.
Red flags dipped in Johnnies white swayed weightlessly over the bleachers of Belson Stadium, contrary to the Johnnies, who had been firm in standing their ground at home. Prior to Oct. 25, the Johnnies had lost just one game playing in Queens, a record that the Johnnies wanted to hold onto from the moment the whistle rang.
The first 25 minutes of the game offered little in terms of attacking play. The Queens sky saw the ball in the air for long stretches, and both teams were having trouble keeping the ball and establishing rhythm. The first real chance of the night came when junior forward Gabin Thomelier won a header that bounced alone ahead of Jayden Montgomery. The freshman saw green grass ahead of him with just about 20 yards between him and the net. Excitement got the best of him, and his bad touch left the
ball safe in the Pirate goalkeeper’s hands, a moment that would later loom large.
Seton Hall was poking holes in the Johnnie defense, which led them to gain a free kick for senior midfielder Axel Berglund to stand over. He put quite a lot of air under the ball, and it found the head of Agustin Resch on its descent. Resch headed the ball into the six-yard box, leaving Johnnie defenders hopeless and Mikkel Lejbowicz completely open in front of goal. The Dane pounced toward the opportunity and put The Hall up with a leaping finish.
The Red Storm walked into the locker room trailing 1-0.
In the second half, the Johnnies’ quickly aimed to pull back their deficit. They pressed higher and constantly tried to get the ball into the flanks, particularly on the right-hand side. Unluckily, every surge of momentum seemed to hit a wall, and that wall was senior defender Agustin Resch. A 6-foot-6-inch block of Argentinian cement, Resch was having a great night in the backline. The senior was clearing any look at goal the Johnnies could muster, and doing a great job keeping the Red Storm’s Thomelier passive.
While the Johnnies looked to equalize, they tended to leave some gaping holes in their midfield, which the Pirates were quick to capitalize on. The second half also saw multiple chances for the Pirates, especially on the break. But senior goalkeeper Alec McLachlan was doing everything he could to keep his team in the game, registering four acrobatic saves to keep the deficit at one and give his team hope of scoring a late equalizer.
Seton Hall remained composed, careful in possession and continuing to dominate aerial duels. The Red Storm was struggling to connect in the final third, relying on crosses that were only creating a stronger sense of security for the Pirates.
The final whistle blew, and the St. John’s players walked downcast out of the pitch.
David Masur’s team will look to regroup quickly as they look towards their remaining two conference games. The Red Storm will aim to pick themselves up this week, as they prepare to face Villanova in a pivotal matchup on Nov. 1.
Jorge gonzalez | oct. 28, 2025
Torch Photo / Luis Barrett